Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to repeal ordinance 2388-2021 requiring the wearing of face coverings in the City of Columbus in response to the spread of COVID-19 in light of new guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding COVID-19 Community Levels issued on February 25, 2022.
Title
To repeal Ordinance 2388-2021 pertaining to the wearing of face coverings in response to the spread of COVID-19; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, beginning in March 2020, the City of Columbus experienced an ongoing threat of an acutely hazardous disease, illness, or health condition; specifically, COVID-19, that was caused by the appearance of a novel infectious agent resulting in international, federal, state and local declarations of states of public health emergencies; and
WHEREAS, on September 13, 2021, following consideration of the then-current rate of community transmission, the available information about the COVID-19 virus and emerging variants, consulting with Columbus Public Health, and considering guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Columbus City Council concluded that the safety of residents was best protected by implementing a face covering requirement and so passed Ordinance 2388-2021 mandating the same; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance on February 25, 2022 that communities with low or medium level strain on the local health care system due to COVID-19 may resume activities done prior to the pandemic without a mask or physical distancing; and
WHEREAS, on February 28, 2022, the Columbus Public Health Commissioner recommended the end of the mask requirement following the updated guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that masks are not necessary in counties with low or medium community levels; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily business of the city in that it is immediately necessary to repea...
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